Britannic Explorer - A Belmond Train
A Window to Britain on Rails
It is the first luxury train to operate in England and Wales. Officially launched in 2025 by the prestigious Belmond company, the train offers an exclusive slow travel experience, combining picture-postcard British scenery, fine dining, and cutting-edge wellness.
It is the latest jewel in the Belmond collection, in which the concept of slow travel reaches its maximum expression in a journey where the avant-garde of contemporary design and the mysticism of traditional landscapes merge.
Explore the rugged Cornish coast, the Welsh valleys, or the visual poetry of the Lake District surrounded by couture interiors, exclusive works of art, and the unmistakable sophistication of contemporary British living .
The journey begins in London and takes you through cities and spectacular landscapes of England and Wales. You'll enjoy fantastic cuisine prepared by renowned chefs , savor signature cocktails, or relax in the Wellness Suite, leaving your daily routine behind.
British explorer
Relax in the exclusive Grand Suites, sumptuous retreats inspired by English gardens (named Elder, Valerian and Juniper) that offer private butler service, in-cabin dining and private door-to-door transfers.
Consider British signature design in its intimate carriages with only 18 cabins, lined by the Albion Nord studio with fine woods, local wools and exclusive works by the celebrated artist Luke Edward Hall.
Savor "farm-to-fork" gastronomy in its two restaurant cars, delighting in seasonal menus of sustainable haute cuisine designed by chef Simon Rogan (awarded three Michelin stars).
Enjoy From England's first rail spa, a wonderful Wellness Suite designed in collaboration with botanical firm Wildsmith Skin, offering revitalizing treatments and massages on the move.
Toast In the vibrant observation car, the social heart of the train, where signature botanical cocktails, craft gins and local beers are served in an atmosphere inspired by British private clubs.
Viva excursions VIP access cultural experiences, ranging from private after-hours visits to the prestigious Hauser & Wirth gallery in Somerset to exclusive curator-led art tours in Cornwall.
Connect with nature through signature adventures, enjoying tailor-made outdoor activities such as morning yoga sessions, guided hiking or wild swimming in the lakes of Cumbria.
Participant Enjoy the classic Afternoon Tea ritual, savoring artisanal pastries and a selection of premium teas as the train crosses historic viaducts like the famous Ribblehead.
Belmond's Britannic Explorer routes operate under an exceptional design concept: three 3-night regional itineraries starting in London that can be linked together to form spectacular 6-night combined voyages.
1
Cornwall (3 nights)
The train travels towards the far southwest of England. The convoy runs along Devon's famous Riviera Line , hugging the iconic Dawlish seawall where ocean waves almost splash against the carriage windows. It ventures into Cornwall to visit historic fishing villages like Fowey and the artistic St Ives.
Stellar Experience : A private, closed-door visit to the prestigious Tate St Ives gallery, followed by a gourmet lunch in the Tremenheere sculpture gardens facing the mystical Saint Michael's Mount, crowning the trip with an exclusive dinner at the renowned Hauser & Wirth Somerset contemporary art gallery .
2
El Distrito de los lagos (3 noches)
A route to the north of England, crossing bucolic valleys to the heart of Cumbria, the land that inspired Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and the writer Beatrix Potter. The train winds through rolling green hills and past some of the most spectacular glacial lakes in the UK.
Stellar Experience : A private cruise on an authentic vintage steamboat across Ullswater, surrounded by morning mist and mountains. The experience culminates in a lakeside country feast orchestrated by Chef Simon Rogan using wild ingredients foraged in the area that very morning.
The Great Combined Routes (6 Nights / 7 Days)
The Cornwall and Lake District routes run from Friday to Monday, while the Wales route operates from Monday to Thursday. Therefore, the 6-night combinations include a fascinating stopover in London.
3.1
Cornwall & Wales (6 nights)
It combines the maritime charm of the southwest with the Celtic mysticism of the "Land of the Red Dragon." After traversing the Cornish cliffs, the train returns to London for an exclusive lunch and then changes course towards the Welsh valleys, ascending through Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
Stellar Experience: A wellness immersion in the remote Welsh lavender fields. After a guided hike through the untamed Welsh heartland, passengers enjoy exclusive access to rustic wood-fired saunas and natural spring-fed pools nestled in the mountains, before returning to the train's Dior spa.
3.2
The Lake District & Wales (6 nights)
The perfect combination for lovers of grand mountain landscapes and British literature. It connects the subtle poetry of the northern lakes with the dramatic geography, medieval castles , and waterfalls of the Welsh valleys.
Stellar Experience : An off-board gala of honor at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire (the legendary gastronomic temple with two Michelin stars) , followed days later by a scenic rail journey aboard the historic Heart of Wales line , gazing at Victorian viaducts inaccessible by road while enjoying afternoon tea
3.3
Cornwall & The Lake District (6 nights)
A long journey linking the two extreme landscapes of England. It takes you from the dazzling light, fishing villages , and mild climate of Cornwall to the majestic, rugged peaks, dense forests, and endless lakes of Cumbria in the north.
Stellar Experience : The ultimate gastronomic contrast designed by Simon Rogan. Passengers enjoy the first weekend of fresh seafood caught using traditional methods off the Cornish coast, and after a layover in London, they are taken north for a culinary experience at the chef's organic farm in Cartmel, the birthplace of his three-Michelin-starred cuisine.
Ultimately, true luxury lies in witnessing British tradition reinvented with unprecedented sophistication. Beyond the destination, the flowing landscape seen through the windows becomes the protagonist of an unforgettable memory.